Portable enclosure and method of erecting same

ABSTRACT

An elongated framework constructed with sufficient rigidity for mounting between a pair of shorings and depending scaffolding therefrom, a roll of flexible protective material affixed to the framework to produce at least a partial enclosure about a work area when in at least a partially unrolled position, and means affixed to the framework for supporting the roll of material and providing the rolling and unrolling action thereof.

United States Patent John K. Eickhol' Box 599, Crookston, Minn. 56716 806,124

Mar. 11, 1969 June 22, 1971 lnventor Appl. No. Filed Patented PORTABLE ENCLOSURE AND METHOD OF EREC'I'ING SAME 7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

U.S.Cl 182/129 Int. Cl E04g 1/26 Field of Search 182/129;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,217,115 10/1940 Hermodsson 182/129 X 2,466,155 4/1949 Conrod 182/129 X 3,446,220 5/1969 Schafer 135/5 Primary Examiner- Kenneth Downey Attorney-Merchant & Gould ABSTRACT: An elongated framework constructed with suit:- cient rigidity for mounting between a pair of shorings and depending scaffolding therefrom, a roll of flexible protective material affixed to the framework to produce at least a partial enclosure about a work area when in at least a partially unrolled position, and means affixed to the framework for supporting the roll of material and providing the rolling and unrolling action thereof.

INVENTOR John K. EEK/10f .6 7 TOR/V1578 PATENTEU JUH22 mm SHEET 2 OF 3 INVENTOR. John K. Eic/(baf PORTABLE ENCLOSURE AND METHOD OF ERECTING SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention In construction work it is often necessary to erect buildings and other structures during inclement weather, such as that prevalent during the winter months, rainstorms, etc. During such construction it is necessary to erect temporary shelters or enclosures around the work area to protect the workmen and material. Temporary shelters are also useful for purposes other than construction, such as outdoor repair work, storage, etc.

2. Description of the Prior Art A temporary enclosure about a work area is generally constructed by simply erecting a framework of shoring and/or scaffolding adjacent the work area and erecting a special framework which is then covered with a flexible material such as plastic or the like to enclose the work area and shoring scaffolding. This method of providing a temporary enclosure is extremely laborious and time consuming as well as relative expensive, since the protective material is generally damaged and cannot be reused. Further, these shelters cannot be moved or reused and are generally not useful for purposes other than sheltering a work area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to portable enclosure means including elongated frame means having at least one roll of flexible protective material extending substantially the length thereof with a portion attached to said frame means and means mounting said roll of material in generally overlying relationship at one side of said frame means for unrolling and rolling said roll of material to at least partially enclose a work area generally beneath said frame means. The invention further pertains to a method of erecting the frame means in overlying relationship to the construction area and positioning the flexible material to form an enclosure thereabout.

It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved portable enclosure means for construction and the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide portable enclosure means which greatly simplifies the enclosing of a desired area during inclement weather and aids in the erection of scaffolding and the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide portable enclosure means which are quickly and easily transportable and reusable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of erecting a portable enclosure over a desired area, which area may be utilized for work, storage, etc.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the accompanying specification, claims, and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings wherein characters indicate like parts throughout the FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a view in side elevation of the prevent portable enclosure positioned over a work area;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the flexible protective material in a rolled position and additional enclosure means illustrated in dotted lines;

FIG. 3 is a view in end elevation as seen generally from the line 33 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view in side elevation of the portable enclosure means illustrating the details thereof;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view as seen from the line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of one of the crank mechanisms as seen generally from the line 6-6 in FIG. 4, portions thereof broken away;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged end view of the enclosure means as seen from the rear end, the right end in FIG. 4, in position relative to a structure opposite to the position illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged detailed view of one roll of flexible protective material and the rolling apparatus therefor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings and especially FIG. 1, the numeral 10 designates a building under construction having the present portable enclosure means generally designated 11 positioned at the side thereof to enclose a work area. In FIG. 1 the portable enclosure means 11 is positioned in overlying relationship to the work area, which work area is the side of building I0. It should be understood, however, that the enclosure means 11 could be utilized at many different types of work areas and the present illustrations are only for exemplary purposes. The enclosure means 11 further includes an elongated strip of flexible protective material 12 forming the outer side thereof with narrower strips 13 affixed thereto to form the ends thereof. Although the strips 12 and 13 could be formed of any suitable flexible material, such as canvas or other waterproof cloth, in the present embodiment they are formed of a reinforced polyethylene sheet for strength and economy. In FIG. 1 the strips of material 12 and 13 are shown in generally vertical depending positions but it should be understood that they might be held in an outwardly angling position adjacent the bottom thereof to enclose a different or larger work area. All of these different uses of the portable enclosure means 11 will become apparent during the following description thereof.

Referring to FIG. 2 the strips of material 12 and 13 are in a stored or rolled configuration to disclose an elongated frame means generally designated 15 positioned atop two horizontally spaced-apart generally vertical framework towers or shorings l6 and 17. The shorings l6 and 17 are illustrated for exemplary purposes and it should be understood that the frame means 15 might be affixed in the desired position by affixing it directly to the building 10, or by utilizing different types of shorings or towers, etc. Further, the height of the shorings 16 and 17 should be sufficient to include all of the work area generally beneath the frame means 15, which work area may be, for example, the entire side of the building 10. A scaffold l8 depends from the underside of the frame means 15 generally between the shorings l6 and 17. The scaffold 18 is supported by a plurality of ropes or cables 19 and may be movable vertically by manipulating the ropes or cables 19 in a conventional manner by hand or with a motor. It should be understood that the scaffold 18 is illustrated for exemplary purposes and many other types of scaffolds might be utilized if desired, such as, for example, a plurality of fixedly positioned scaffolds (where the work being performed requires an excessive amount of time), or a vertically adjustable, depending scaffold with the working parts incorporated in the frame means 15, as will be described presently.

The frame means 15 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. The frame means 15 includes a generally triangularly shaped end member 20 at the rear end thereof (the right end in FIGS. 4 and 5) and a similar end member 21 at the front end thereof (the left end in FIGS. 4 and 5). In this embodiment the end members 20 and 21 are formed from angle iron bent into the desired shape with the ends thereof affixed together by welding or the like. The comers of the end members 20 and 21 are slotted to form generally circular openings to receive therein, the ends of three cords 22, 23 and 24, which in this embodiment are fonned of pipe. The three cords 22, 23 and 24 and the two end members 20 and 21 form a generally wedgeshaped structure with the cord 22 forming the apex thereof and the cords 23 and 24 forming the lower corners. A plurality of truss members 25 are disposed between the end members 20 and 21 and connected at either end thereof between the cords 2223 23 and 2224. The sides of the frame means 15 are constructed as trusses to increase the strength of the frame means while maintaining it relatively light. It should be understood that the frame means 15 might be constructed in a variety of embodiments well known to those skilled in the art, but the present embodiment is preferred because of its strength and simplicity of construction.

A plurality of spreader members 26 extend between the cords 23 and 24 generally perpendicular thereto in a horizontally spaced-apart relationship between the end members and 21. Truss members 27 extend between the cords 23 and 24 and the ends of spreader members 26 to provide the required strength in a transverse direction. A catwalk generally designated 30 is formed within the frame means 15 by affixing three elongated support members 31 between the end member s20 and 21 on the upper surfaces of the spreader members 26 and truss members 27 in a generally parallel spaced-apart relationship. A deck 32 formed of expanded metal or the like is affixed to the upper surfaces of the support members 31 to provide a generally flat surface for the passage of workmen through the frame means 15.

In the present embodiment the cord 22 is formed of 3 1&- inch extra strong pipe 35 feet long and the cords 23 and 24 are formed of Zia-inch diameter extra strong pipe 35 feet long. The truss members 25 and 27 and the spreader member 26 are formed of 2-inch diameter standard pipe. The end members 20 and 21 are formed of 4-inch %-inch steel angle irons.

A plurality of loops 35 are afiixed to the undersides of the cords 23 and 24 and spaced apart therealong to provide means for depending the scaffold 18 below the frame means 15. It should 37 understood that many types of devices might be utilized to affix the scaffold 18 to the frame means 15 and the loops 35 are disclosed because of their simplicity. A dolly 36 having four wheels 27 rotatably mounted thereon is afiixed to the underside of the frame means 15 for the transportation thereof. The dolly 36 may be permanently attached to the frame means 15 (as in the present disclosure) or it may be removably attached if desired. A tongue or hitch 38 is affixed to the front end of the frame means 15 so that a draft device can be attached thereto.

Two plates 39 are affixed to the underside of the frame means 15 at the front corners thereof soas to extend generally vertically downwardly therefrom and outwardly somewhat beyond the end member 21. Two sets of similar plates 39a are affixed to the underside of the frame means 15 at each rear comer thereof so as to extend generally vertically downwardly from the end member 20. The sets 39a are each formed of two plates similar to the plates 39 but spaced apart a distance sufficient to receive a plate 39 therebetween. The plates 39 and sets of plates 39:: at the ends of the frame means 15 provide means for affixing additional frame means 15 in end-to-end relationship. Holes are provided through the plates 39 and sets of plates 39a to receive a pin therethrough and, in addition, paris of holes 40 are provided in the end members 20 and 21 adjacent each corner thereof (see FlG. 7) to receive bolts therethrough for fixedly attaching a plurality of frame means 15 in end-toend relationship. In the present embodiment the frame means 15 is sufficiently rigid so that at leas two frame means 15 can be attached in end-to-end relationship, as described, and shorings 16 and 17 can be placed at the ends thereof. Because of the unique construction and manner of attaching the frame means 15, no shorings are required at the junction of the two frame means 15. If lighter loads are depended therefrom or if stronger material is used, three or more frame means 15 can be attached together with no shorings required at the junctions thereof.

A pair of elongated spindles are rotatably affixed to the truss members 25 approximately midway between the cords 2223 and 2224 so as to extend approximately parallel with the cords, 22, 23 and 24. The spindles 45 are positioned within the frame means 15 and each has a drum 46 coaxially affixed adjacent each end thereof for rotation therewith. The length of the spindles 45 are such that the drums 46 at each end thereof are spaced a short distance inwardly from the end members 20 and 21. Each of the drums 46 is adapted to have a rope 47 (see FIG. 6) affixed thereto so as to wind thereon as the drums 46 are rotated. The forward end of each of the spindles 45 has a gear 48 (see FIG. 6) affixed thereto with a worm gear 49 mounted in meshing engagement therewith. The worm gear 49 has a handcrank 50 attached thereto for winding and unwinding movements of the rope 47. It should be understood that the handcrank 50 might be replaced with an electric motor or the like if desired. A worm gear 49 is utilized with each of the spindles 45 so that rotation of the spindle 45 is prevented except during movements of the handcrank 50. However, it should be understood that other means might be utilized for rotating the spindle 45 and preventing movement thereof when desired.

A pair of loops 55 are affixed to the upper surface of the cord 22 generally above the two forward drums 46 and a second pair of loops 55 are affixed to the upper surface of the cord 22 generally above the two rearward drums 46. In addition, a lift plate 56 is affixed to the upper surface of the cord 22 approximately at the center thereof, which lift plate 56 is adapted to receive a hook or the like for lifting the frame means 15 from the ground to a desired position. In the present embodiment the strip of flexible protective material 12, which has a width approximately equal to the length of the frame means 15, is centered over frame means 15 so that approximately equal portions thereof extend downwardly on either side thereof. Openings are provided in the strip of material 12 so that the loops 55 and lift plate 56 extend therethrough.

The strip of flexible material 12 is rolled about cylinders 60 and 61 on either side of the frame means 15. The cylinders 60 and 61 are formed of aluminum for lightness and the length thereof is approximately 5 feet less than the width of the strip of material 12 to provide openings at either end thereof for the entrance of workers, as will become apparent presently. Referring specifically to F168. 7 and 8, which illustrate the same embodiment as the remaining FIGS. but in a different position relative to the building 10, it can be seen that the ropes 47 affixed to the drums 46 extend upwardly from the drums 46 beneath and over the cord 22 where each rope 47 passes through a loop 55 which acts as a guide. Each rope 47 extends from a loop 55 downwardly beneath the flexible strip 12, around one of the cylinders 60 and 61, and back up the outside of the flexible trip 12 to the cord 22, where the end of the rope 47 is fixedly attached by a loop 62 affixed to the cord 22. Thus, each of the ropes 47 form a sling in which the cylinders 60 and 61 and the strip 12 rolled thereon are suspended. The slings formed by ropes 47 and the strip 12 rolled on the cylinders 60 and 61 are each wound so that turning a spindle 45 to unwind more rope 47, lengthens the sling and allows the strip 12 on the cylinder 60 an 61 to unroll. Further, rotating a spindle 45 to wind more of the ropes 47 onto the associated drums 46, reduces the size of the slings in a manner to cause the cylinder 60 and 61 associated therewith to rotate in the correct direction and roll more of the strip of material 12 thereon. Thus, through the handcranks 50, the ropes 47 can be manipulated to lengthen or shorten the slings formed thereby and roll or unroll the sheet of flexible material 12 on either side of the frame means 15.

If desired, a vertically adjustable, depending scaffold (as previously mentioned) can be incorporated with the frame means 15 utilizing structure similar to that described above. A pair of spindles (not shown) having drums thereon could be rotatably mounted at each side of the frame means 15 below the spindles 45 and attached together, or otherwise synchronized, for simultaneous rotation. Cables or ropes (such as those designated 19) having a scaffold attached thereto can then be affixed to the drums for winding and unwinding action. If an electric motor is utilized to rotate the spindles it can be controlled remotely from the scaffold. In this way the mechanism can be removed from the scaffold making the scaffold lighter and leaving more room in which workmen can operate.

1n the operation of the portable enclosure means 11 the shorings 16 and 17 are correctly positioned and the frame means 15 is lifted, through the use of a crane or the like, by the left plate 56 into a bridging position across the upper ends thereof. The cables 19 of the scaffold 18 are operatively con nected to the loops 35 on the underside of the frame means 15 (if the'apparatus is not incorporated in the frame means 15) generally prior to or during the lifting operation. If the weather is inclement, an operator then ascends to the catwalk 30 to manipulate the handcranks 50. It should be noted that electric motors with remote controls might be utilized in place of the handcranks 50 if desired. The portion of the strip 12 rolled on the cylinder 60 or 61 adjacent the building is unwound until the cylinder 60 and 61 rests on the upper surface of the building 10. in FIG. 7 the cylinder 61 is positioned as described. The other cylinder 60 or 61 (roll 60 in FIG. 7) is the unwound until the cylinder 60 or 61 rests on the ground at the base of the shorings 16 and 17. The edges of the strip of material 12 have spaced-apart grommets 65 therein which are utilized to position and affix the ends strips 13 correctly in place. Since the cylinders 60 and 61 are shorter than the width of the strip 12, openings can be provided at either end thereof for the entrance of workers. In the event that a plurality of frame means 15 are connected together in end-to-end relationship, the strips of material 12 on each of the frame means 15 are connected together by means of the grommets 65. When the weather becomes favorable or the job is completed, the strips of material 12 and 13 are disconnected (or a plurality of strips 12 are disconnected) and the strip 12 is rolled onto the cylinders 60 and 61 by operating the handcranks 50. if the job is completed, the frame means 15 is then lifted from the shorings 16 and 17 and placed on the dolly 36, or on the ground if the dolly 36 is connected. The enclosure means 11 is then ready to be moved to a new work area.

- Thus, portable enclosure means 11 are disclosed which are quickly and easily erected or dismantled. Further, the frame means 15 is constructed with sufficient strength to depend scaffold l8 therefrom so that a special structure is not required for the scaffolding. In addition to the above, the strip of protective flexible material 12 is carefully rolled and unrolled by means of the cylinders 60 and 61 so that relatively little damage is inflicted thereon during erecting and dismantling procedures.

What! claim is:

1. Portable enclosure means comprising:

a. portable elongated frame means including wheels affixed thereunder and hitch means affixed adjacent one end thereof for transporting said frame means over the ground;

. means including a pair of horizontally spaced-apart vertically extending shorings for affixing said frame means in generally overlying relationship to a desired area so that the area is substantially unobstructed by said affixing means and said frame means;

c. at least one roll of flexible protective material extending substantially the length of said frame means with a portion thereof attached relative to said frame means;

d. means mounting said roll of material in generally overlying relationship at one side of said frame means, said mounting means including means for unrolling and rolling said roll of material to at least partially enclose the work areas beneath said frame means and to store said roll, respectively; and

e. said frame means including platfonn means for supporting an operator to manipulate said rolling and unrolling means.

. Portable scaffold-mounting means comprising:

portable elongated frame means constructed of truss members formed into a generally wedge shape for preventing distortion of said frame means during use;

b. said frame means having wheels affixed thereunder and hitch means affixed adjacent one end thereof for transporting said frame means over the ground; c. means for affixing said frame means in generally overlying relationship to a desired area so that the area is substantially unobstructed by said affixing means and said frame means; and

d. means affixed to said frame means for depending scaffolding therefrom.

3. Portable scaffold-mounting means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the frame means includes means at each end thereof for affixing a plurality of said fame means in end-to-end relationship.

4. Portable scaffold-mounting means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the means for affixing said frame means in generally overlying relationship to a desired area includes a pair of horizontally spaced-apart generally vertically extending shorings with said frame means affixed in bridging relationship adjacent the top thereof.

5. Portable enclosure means comprising:

a. elongated frame means adapted to be positioned in an elevated, generally overlying relationship to a desired area, said frame means having a generally triangularly shaped cross section with the apex directed generally upwardly;

b. at least one strip of flexible protective material extending horizontally substantially the length of said frame means with a portion thereof attached relative to said frame means;

c. means mounting said strip of material in generally overlying relationship at one side of said frame means, including means for rolling and unrolling said strip of material, with said strip being adjacent and generally parallel with the apex of said frame means in a rolled position and said strip extending vertically downwardly a substantial distance beyond the lower extremities of said frame means in the unrolled positions;

d. means for affixing wheels to said frame means for the conveyance thereof; and

e. means for attaching draft means to one end of said frame means.

6 A method of erecting and dismantling a portable enclosure over a construction work'area comprising the steps of:

a. providing portable elongated frame means having at least one roll of flexible protective material rollably and unrollably mounted in generally overlying relationship to one side of said frame means with a portion of said material affixed to said-frame means;

b. raising said frame means into a desired elevated position in generally overlying relationship to the work area;

c. affixing said frame means in the desired position;

(1. affixing scaffolding to the frame means in depending relationship therebelow;

e. unrolling said roll of material to at least partially enclose the work area;

f. rolling said roll of material into a storage position; and

g. lowering said frame means after completion of the work.

7. A method of erecting a portable enclosure over a construction work area comprising the steps of:

a. providing portable elongated frame means having at least one roll of flexible protective material rollably and unrollably mounted in generally overlying relationship to one side of said frame means with a portion of said material affixed to said frame means;

b. erecting a pair of horizontally spaced-apart generally vertically extending shorings;

c. bridging said shoring at the upper ends thereof with said 

1. Portable enclosure means comprising: a. portable elongated frame means including wheels affixed thereunder and hitch meaNs affixed adjacent one end thereof for transporting said frame means over the ground; b. means including a pair of horizontally spaced-apart vertically extending shorings for affixing said frame means in generally overlying relationship to a desired area so that the area is substantially unobstructed by said affixing means and said frame means; c. at least one roll of flexible protective material extending substantially the length of said frame means with a portion thereof attached relative to said frame means; d. means mounting said roll of material in generally overlying relationship at one side of said frame means, said mounting means including means for unrolling and rolling said roll of material to at least partially enclose the work areas beneath said frame means and to store said roll, respectively; and e. said frame means including platform means for supporting an operator to manipulate said rolling and unrolling means.
 2. Portable scaffold-mounting means comprising: a. portable elongated frame means constructed of truss members formed into a generally wedge shape for preventing distortion of said frame means during use; b. said frame means having wheels affixed thereunder and hitch means affixed adjacent one end thereof for transporting said frame means over the ground; c. means for affixing said frame means in generally overlying relationship to a desired area so that the area is substantially unobstructed by said affixing means and said frame means; and d. means affixed to said frame means for depending scaffolding therefrom.
 3. Portable scaffold-mounting means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the frame means includes means at each end thereof for affixing a plurality of said fame means in end-to-end relationship.
 4. Portable scaffold-mounting means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the means for affixing said frame means in generally overlying relationship to a desired area includes a pair of horizontally spaced-apart generally vertically extending shorings with said frame means affixed in bridging relationship adjacent the top thereof.
 5. Portable enclosure means comprising: a. elongated frame means adapted to be positioned in an elevated, generally overlying relationship to a desired area, said frame means having a generally triangularly shaped cross section with the apex directed generally upwardly; b. at least one strip of flexible protective material extending horizontally substantially the length of said frame means with a portion thereof attached relative to said frame means; c. means mounting said strip of material in generally overlying relationship at one side of said frame means, including means for rolling and unrolling said strip of material, with said strip being adjacent and generally parallel with the apex of said frame means in a rolled position and said strip extending vertically downwardly a substantial distance beyond the lower extremities of said frame means in the unrolled positions; d. means for affixing wheels to said frame means for the conveyance thereof; and e. means for attaching draft means to one end of said frame means. 6 A method of erecting and dismantling a portable enclosure over a construction work area comprising the steps of: a. providing portable elongated frame means having at least one roll of flexible protective material rollably and unrollably mounted in generally overlying relationship to one side of said frame means with a portion of said material affixed to said frame means; b. raising said frame means into a desired elevated position in generally overlying relationship to the work area; c. affixing said frame means in the desired position; d. affixing scaffolding to the frame means in depending relationship therebelow; e. unrolling said roll of material to at least partially enclose the work area; f. rolling said roll of material into a storage position; and g. lowering said frame means after completion of the work.
 7. A method of erecting a portable enclosure over a construction work area comprising the steps of: a. providing portable elongated frame means having at least one roll of flexible protective material rollably and unrollably mounted in generally overlying relationship to one side of said frame means with a portion of said material affixed to said frame means; b. erecting a pair of horizontally spaced-apart generally vertically extending shorings; c. bridging said shoring at the upper ends thereof with said frame means; d. affixing at least a scaffold for the said frame means in depending relationship therebelow; and e. unrolling said roll of material to at least partially enclose the work area. 